Humminbird Issue

[Sherman]

I have a bird 55 and its started to have some issues. I've been out probably 6 outings since beginning of this month and when I turn on unit, it doesn't read the right depths when turn to auto range. It would read 0.8 or 1.8 ft then 1 to 3 mins it would catch on and read right depths. When I put in x1 or x2 still same results. If I hole hop it will do all over again. Some days I go out, it will stay at 1.8 ft the whole day. Another issue that happen along with the depth issue is the voltage will come on/off on a full charged battery. I tried another full charged battery with same result. The voltage drops every 20-30 mins I check battery status.

These are my only 2 issues. All the other option works and I can see my jig and fish just fine. I have a feeling it may be the ducer. Any one have a similar problem?

[fisherman-andy]

Swap to a good known transducer to see if issue persist. Have you tried reseating your transducer cable connections?

[bltbowhunter]

Mine does the exact same thing. Sometimes it helps to pull the ducer out and wipe it off on your pants. Sometimes, it does it when the ducer isn't all of the way through the bottom of the hole. My 55 is 3 years old now and I called Humminbird when it was newer and they sent me a new transducer. It seems to happen with both of the transducers. It's kind of a pain when you're out hole hopping, but I've kind of learned to live with it as it doesn't happen all of the time and usually I can get it to read fine after messing with it for a few seconds. I was hoping that I could get a 3rd party transducer someday and try that, but I haven't come across any aftermarkets yet.

[PFUNK]

Mine did that once this last weekend too but it figured it out within 30 seconds or so after I cleaned a little ice off the transducer.

[Sherman]

Thanks for the replys. Been working fine with no problem then just happen early this month. Oh well might have to deal with it or talk to the bird guys.

[MLoBes]

I have a 45 that does that when I take it out of the hole and put in back in. Usually put the transducer in the hole and then turn on. I've also found that it seems to do this in deeper water and set at wide angle. If you switch to narrow it will pick up the bottom and you then can switch back to wide angle. Hummingbird told me that it should be in the water before turning on. Pain if you pull the transducer or if hole hoping.

[mnhunter79]

Buy a MARCUM, had my LX-5 for 4 years, never had a issue yet. just sayin.

[harvey lee]

I have a 35, 45 and a 55 and have had nothing but the best of luck with all 3. They are all units thats are 3-4 years old. Just sayin.

I agree with above poster, swap out with a friend the transducer and see how that goes or remove it from the unit and reattach. I would also clean or wipe the bottom of the puck.

if it still refuses to work correctly, I would then call Humminbird. If needed, you could send it in at the end of the season and have it ready for next winter.